Indonesia: Post-election rally planned in Jakarta April 19 /update 3

Event

The campaign team of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto is slated to hold a post-election rally in Jakarta on Friday, April 19, in support of Prabawo's presidential bid and to "celebrate" a peaceful election. The demonstration is set to begin at approximately 19:30 (local time),  following Friday prayers, at the National Monument. As of Thursday, April 17, Jakarta police officials indicated it had had not been informed of any planned demonstrations by the Prabowo team.

Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are to be expected on Friday in central Jakarta. Clashes between rival political groups or with security forces cannot be ruled out.  

Context

The rally will follow the April 17 election in which incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo faced Gerindra party candidate Prabowo Subianto; early exit polls show Jokowi has a lead of 10 percentage points. The Prabowo camp subsequently disputed the results citing "widespread cheating" across the country and claimed the Gerindra party candidate won with 62 percent of the vote. Official results will be published in May. 

The Indonesian general elections on were held on April 17, during which voters cast their ballots to vote for president, vice president, and legislative representatives. Incumbent President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, of the PDI-P faced challenger Gerindra party candidate Prabowo Subianto, a retired general who previously ran in 2014. Jokowi selected Nahdlatul Ulama leader Ma'ruf Amin as his running mate and Prabowo's vice presidential candidate is Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno.

Advice

Individuals in Jakarta are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate heightened security measures and crowded conditions, avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, avoid discussing political topics in public or on social media, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.